As the United States celebrates its independence this month, we'd love to see some examples of how you've gained independence! For July's Monthly Layout Contest, show us your layouts featuring someone displaying independence! It could be a toddler learning independence or a young person out on their own for the first time. You could even scrap about a time you displayed some independence! Be sure to include some journaling to support your photos. Post your layouts in the July Monthly Layout Gallery before Midnight MT on July 31st. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. If your layout is one of the two chosen winners, you will receive a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

I had the best intentions of doing the challenge for June, but it never came together. I thought I had better do this one at the first of the month rather than the end, so that I can get it done. So here is my interpretation of the July contest theme of Independence in my page Feeling Free.

,,

My mission in life in not merely to survive, it is to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.